AR-15 Question(s)

Ok, I am going to admit, I am somewhat "dumb" when it comes to the anatomy of a AR-15. I have read about upper and lower units. What exactly would be considered a kit to build a basis AR-15, without the add-ons? I have heard that Rock River Arms and Bushmaster offer the best parts. Could I buy a 800 dollar bushmaster off the store shelf and get a good rifle? I would really appreciate any information that might give me some insight on the world of the AR.

+1 on AR15.com cruise thru the FAQ sections. Tons of good info in there.

IMHO there is no comparison between the RRA and bushmaster. Spend just a little bit more and get a RRA. That is IF you are wanting to buy the complete rifle. Nothing wrong with the bushmaster, but the RRA is a higher quality firearm for not much more (if any) $$$$$.

I think that if I were in the market for an $800 AR, I'd look very hard at Stag Arms. I have a Stag upper (on a Bushmaster lower that I already owned), and it has been simply excellent in every way.

I had a DPMS that worked fine, though it was a little crude. You can see it in Galco ads for the BATTL Sling . I think I paid $600 NIB a couple of years ago, and I had no complaints. It swallowed thousands of rounds of cheap Wolf ammo without a complaint.

Slapping together a factory-assembled upper and lower usually works fine if you can get a better deal that way (and you often can). Building an AR from a bag of parts, if you're not a trained armorer, often leads to a gun that never works quite right. Yeah, I know the internet "gunsmiths" (aka, parts changers) can supposedly build an AR that runs better than a Colt for $500, but I have never seen a "kit gun" built by an amateur that worked as reliably as a complete gun from a quality manufacturer. Kit guns are absolutely infamous for croaking at training classes where guns get shot a lot and get hot. Not a big deal in a casual range gun, but for defense/duty/competition, buy a gun assembled by a professional.

I'm on the same page as Mike - get a decent complete one first, and that way you can learn and see how an AR is properly put together. Then, if you want, you can get your feet wet with simple bolt-on mods, and then later build another one. And by that point you'll have a better idea what features work for you and whatnot..

+1 on AR15.com cruise thru the FAQ sections. Tons of good info in there.

IMHO there is no comparison between the RRA and bushmaster. Spend just a little bit more and get a RRA. That is IF you are wanting to buy the complete rifle. Nothing wrong with the bushmaster, but the RRA is a higher quality firearm for not much more (if any) $$$$$.

If anything the Bushmaster w/ it's chromed lined bore and chamber is a higher quality closer to mil-spec AR than a RR. It's just what you put on it, or in it(2 stage trigger is a plus in the RR) but you pay for it and/or you can drop one in a Bushy or buy one as a factory option. Bushmaster is presently building a very high quality AR, as well or better than any of them, they sell more of them than any manufacturer.

If you don't believe me buy a new one. 7075 forged upper and lower, 4150 chrome-moly steel w/chrome-lined bore/chamber etc........As good as any high tier if you opt for their cold hammer forged barrel high end platforms. That low quality poor build just after being bought by the Freedom Group no longer applies and is far from the truth at present.

I just bought a XM-15 E2S at a steal and I've been around AR's a long while, it's an exceptional build in my opinion and built with pride and workmanship, it's best if you go out and get a new one and then give a report. I just don't see the "higher quality" than a Bushmaster?

Stag Arms makes the best "bang for your buck" AR-15 rifle right now imo... if you want to step up in quality you could go into the Bravo Company, Knights Armament or Daniel Defense price range which will cost double to triple. I've had no issues with my Model 2 from Stag and find it be able to take quite a beating and still perform. They also make lefty models which most manufactorers don't.

Stag Arms makes the best "bang for your buck" AR-15 rifle right now imo... if you want to step up in quality you could go into the Bravo Company, Knights Armament or Daniel Defense price range which will cost double to triple. I've had no issues with my Model 2 from Stag and find it be able to take quite a beating and still perform. They also make lefty models which most manufactorers don't.

I have a Stag in 6.8 & it's a fine rifle.
Also have Remingtons R 15 & R 25 (5.56 & .308) both shoot well. My 15 year old boy has a DMPS M-4 that is also a good shooter.
I bought a previously owned but not fired Armalight 5.56 for $800 bucks. It too is a fine rifle.